Joy is Professional Fuel
I’ve spent most of my professional life focused on achievement, productivity, and success. These goals shaped my work in HR, and they drive many of my coaching and consulting clients as well. For a long time, I saw that drive as the core of what made work meaningful. And in many ways, it is.
Yet things began to shift when I started my own business two years ago. I knew there would be challenges. I expected the learning curve, the occasional frustration, the moments of doubt that come with building something new. But what took me by surprise—what I didn’t see coming—was the role of joy. Not fleeting happiness, but a grounded, sustaining joy that shows up in unexpected places: in the spark of a client conversation, in the quiet pride of following through, in the small wins that carry big meaning. That joy hasn’t made the hard parts disappear—but it’s what gives them shape, energy, and purpose.
That joy didn’t erase the difficulty—it gave it purpose. It became fuel. And it made me wonder: What if joy isn’t the result of success—but one of the ways we create it?
Joy Is More Than a Feeling
We often treat joy like a reward—something that shows up after the hard work is done. But what if joy is actually part of the work? A tool we can use to stay grounded, connected, and resilient through the process?
In their book, The Book of Joy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama describe joy not as a fleeting emotion, but as a cultivated mindset—one grounded in compassion, humility, gratitude, and meaning. These aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They’re powerful sources of creativity, clarity, and long-term motivation.
Joy Is a Centering Force
Joy doesn’t mean we stop caring about results. It just helps us rise above outcome-obsession. It lets us care deeply about our work—without being defined by wins or losses. Instead of chasing validation or fearing failure, we stay connected to what really matters: learning, growing, contributing, connecting.
And when things get tough, joy becomes even more essential. In the Book of Joy, Archbishop Tutu writes, “Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak… But we will laugh more easily, too.”
Joy won’t cancel out stress. But it can create a small, meaningful pause—a moment of breath or perspective that helps us stay whole, even when things feel hard.
In those moments, joy might look like:
A quiet pause between meetings
A shared laugh with a colleague
A text of encouragement
A moment of remembering why your work matters
Joy at Work Isn’t Trivial—It’s Transformational
Joy reminds us that we are people, not just producers. That behind every deliverable is a human being with emotions, purpose, and a desire for connection.
And here’s the good news: joy isn’t only personal. It’s shared. Leaders can set the tone, and teammates can build it together.
Joy Lifts Us Above the Grind
Joy allows us to be a little transcendent—to rise, however briefly, above the swirl of deadlines, challenges, and checklists.
Whether it’s the satisfaction of solving a tough problem, a burst of laughter in a meeting, or a quiet moment of pride in your work—joy reconnects us to something bigger than the task at hand. Even a flicker of joy can help you reset and return with clarity and heart.
And yes, this takes practice. But the more you notice joy, the more it shows up. Here are some practical techniques to get you started:
🧭 For Leaders: Create Conditions for Joy
Model lightness. Smile. Laugh. Let your team see that excellence and joy can coexist.
Celebrate progress. Don’t wait for perfect results—recognize effort and presence.
Make space for connection. Even a few minutes of human conversation builds trust.
Tie work to purpose. Help your team understand how their work matters.
Support well-being. Rest, boundaries, and joy aren’t indulgent—they’re essential for performance.
Highlight the joy-bringers: Celebrate those in the office who remember birthdays, checks in during tough times, or keeps morale high. Their emotional labor is a huge asset to your culture.
💡 For Individuals: Practice Joy with Intention
Start a Joy Journal. Ask: What brought me joy today? What joy can I create tomorrow?
Celebrate small wins. Don’t wait for major milestones—acknowledge movement.
Infuse joy into routine. A favorite mug, a playlist, or a quick walk counts.
Join in others’ joy. When a colleague is celebrating—join them. Joy multiplies when shared.
A Final Reflection
Joy doesn’t mean the work is easy. It means we don’t have to lose ourselves in the effort. So ask yourself:
What joy will I bring into my work today?
Whose joy can I support or celebrate?
Because when joy becomes part of how we work, we’re not just getting things done. We’re building energy, connection, and meaning that lasts.